Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Happy Cruising!! Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. They also have many water sports that are available. Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions Catamaran ($1599.99) Sonesta Day Pass ($88.99) Speedboat & Snorkel ($124.99) Highlights & Beach ($55.99) Sightseeing ($44.99) Attraction Park ($138.99) ATV HIghlight and Beach ($99.99) Beach Bum Combo ($44.99) Full Day Sailing ($134.99) Sky Explorer and Dutchman ($98.99) St. Maarten Cruise Excursions Reviews 4.8/5 Mullet Bay Mullet Bay Beach Sint Maarten, NLD 1744 Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. Required fields are marked *. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. You also get the use of their facilities. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. water warm and lovely, beach clean. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. If youre coming with kids who love water activities, you could try out their snorkeling and underwater fun for a lower price than other beaches in St Maarten. Show Prices. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. Surfing is also one of the best things to do in St Maarten; Mullet bay has northern winds, making it an excellent spot for surfers. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. The Great Bay Beach is a well-maintained destination complete with white sandy dunes and clear waters, which is why its among our top picks when it comes to the different nice beaches in St Maarten. What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao, What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Bonaire, Living In Aruba (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Eustatius ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Maarten (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), St Maarten Vs St Martin (Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. But among this plethora of sandy dunes and pristine waters, we went ahead and narrowed down a list of the best beaches in St Maarten. The roads are narrow and winding. Hotels near Princ. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Cruise Tips. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Log in. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. Beach 3 Snorkeling 4 St. Maartan Airport Tour 5 Catamaran Tour 6 4x4 Adventure 7 Dolphin Encounter 8 Butterfly Farm 9 Scuba Diving 10 Horseback Riding 11 ATV 12 Kayaking 13 Bicycle Tour 14. 1. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. more. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. That aspect alone would make you want to visit this spot, and it also makes Burgeaux beach one of the best beach destinations on the island. Its like a 3 min ride. before joining cruise ship. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Deals. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Until the development of the new cruise terminal, Front Street ranked among one of the best shopping experiences in the Caribbeanalong with Playa Del Carmen, St. Thomas and Old San Juan. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! You only need to get to the port early. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Sea Palace Resort. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. Most people visit the beach to see the Jumbo jets that fly over it at very close proximities when landing or taking off from the airport right next door. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. See all 9 Great Bay Beach tours on Tripadvisor, See all Great Bay Beach experiences on Tripadvisor, Luxury Beachfront 2 Bedroom Condo In The Heart Of Philipsburg/Great Bay, View all hotels near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Philipsburg, Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store: Tickets & Tours, The Rusty Parrot - Sint Maarten Pirate Experience: Tickets & Tours, Healing Hands of Crystal: Tickets & Tours, Philipsburg Marketplace: Tickets & Tours, Evening Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo with Private Transport, Amalfi Coast Small group Tour by Boat from Sorrento, Shared Ferry Shuttle from St. Maarten to Anguilla, Rhythm Of Rum Tour & Rum Tasting Saint Lucia, Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 Self-Driving Tour, 2 Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls, Premium Hanbok Experience in Hanboknam Gyeongbok Palace Branch, Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, Airport transportation between San Juan and Rio Grande. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Riselle Celestina for Insider. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. This was our second visit. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. This area is family-friendly. The popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean has two sides and is known for being the smallest landmass to host two nations in one place. 1 mile away from Friars Bay Beach is a walking trail that takes you right into the heart of the open beach and the black rock formation. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. With its mesmerizing blue waters, sunny beaches, and lively nightlifeSt Maarten in the Caribbean islands is lauded as a prime vacation spot, especially for those who are in need of travel inspiration. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. If you would rather walk there, its only a 15-minute walk down the boardwalk, and you can enjoy music and some local bars and restaurants along the way. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. It. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. It creates a very magical experience. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Taxis. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. Not only will the beach take your breath away but also the view, including the sunsets and docked yachts, produce a postcard memory if you go on a trip in the Oyster Pond. This is the beach for you. 1. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Great care must be exercised as persons have died in the past due to the effects of the jet blast. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. St. Maarten is one of the most popular destinations for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises, so cruise visitors need to know that Great Bay Beach is one of the best beaches near the cruise port. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. The Philipsburg St. Maarten cruise port has three major attractions: the massive John Craane cruise terminal, the nearby city and Great Bay Beach right beside it. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. We suggest checking in to the lovely villas by the cliff, and youll surely enjoy your time with a majestic view of the blue waters. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. From the small pebbles found on the shore to its magnificent coastlines, you are bound to fall in love with the beach as you take a long stroll. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. A playground is still delightful for toddlers across from shops beside Holland House Hotel, where cruise passengers can purchase the Beach Special ($25 toilets, beach chair and shower with wifi). I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. The main appeal is the convenient Great Bay Beach, the long boardwalk that runs parallel to it and the shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. You can access this beach by walking. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. Dont miss out on visiting the different souvenir shops where you could snag some trinkets and memorabilia to remember your Caribbean Trip here in Great Bay Beach. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Holland House Beach Hotel. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. It did shelve quite quickly. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour Including Lunch in St. Maarten (From $139.00) Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion (From $89.00) Private Sailboat Charter in St Maarten; Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays day trip (From $160.00) 3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles (From $146.00) Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. If you are going to be traveling to Maho beach its best to pack up and head back to the port latest 3:30 pm if your ships leaving at 5 pm. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. Note that it is clothing optional. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Whether youre looking for a nice day out on the beach, or a day filled with fun things to do, this place is definitely enjoyable. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Little Bay Beach. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. It is very close to the cruise terminal and you can get there either by water taxi for $7 with a return ticket or pay $5 for a one way. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining.